SiC particulate reinforced A356 Al metal matrix composites were laser treated using pulsed Nd-YAG laser beam. The processing was carried out in air atmosphere at varying pulse energy (5 to 20 J) and scan rates (30 to 150 mm/sec). The samples were cut perpendicular to the track and they were characterized using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Microstructure of laser treated region consists of regular succession of coarse and fine microstructure signifying the presence of low velocity bands. Transition from cellular/columnar dendritic to equiaxed dendritic structure has been observed. Microstructure of samples laser treated with specific energy greater than 13 kJ/cm(2) show presence of Al4C3 platelets. (C) 2004 Kluwer Academic Publishers.